Texas just passed a new law that gives families a lot more control over how their kids are educated.
For anyone who believes in less government and more freedom for parents, this is a pretty exciting development.
I’ve met with so many families over the years who have longed for education freedom.
And that day has arrived.
Proud to sign school choice into law today.
Texas now empowers parents to choose the school that’s BEST for their child. pic.twitter.com/kKrn0A7a3T
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) May 3, 2025
So, What’s the Law About?
In short, it gives parents the power to choose where their children go to school—and helps pay for it.
Under the new law, families can get up to $8,000 a year per child to use for education expenses.
That includes private school tuition, tutoring, homeschooling materials, or special education services. The money goes into something called an Education Savings Account, or ESA.
This isn’t just for a small group—every K–12 student in Texas is eligible, no matter how much money their family makes or where they live.
Why This Matters
Until now, most students were assigned to a public school based on their ZIP code.
If the local school wasn’t a good fit, well… families didn’t have many options—at least not affordable ones.
This new law changes that.
Now, if a child needs something different—whether that’s a smaller classroom, a faith-based education, or extra help in a certain subject—families can go find it.
And the state will help cover the cost.
It’s a big shift. Instead of funding systems, Texas is starting to fund students.
What People Are Saying
Governor Greg Abbott said about the bill: “This injects competition into our education system that will benefit students and families for generations.”
He’s been pushing for this kind of change for a while, and this time, it made it through.
Supporters say it’s about giving parents the freedom to do what’s right for their kids. They point out that just because a school is public doesn’t mean it works for everyone.
With more choices on the table, families don’t have to settle.
Across the country, more and more voters are on board with school choice.
A national poll from RealClear Opinion Research found that 71% of voters support the idea, including a strong majority of independents.
In states like Florida and Arizona, where similar programs are already running, parents report higher satisfaction—and in many cases, better outcomes for their kids.
What Critics Are Worried About
Some teachers’ unions and Democratic lawmakers argue that this could hurt public schools by pulling money away from them. They say it might benefit families who already have more resources.
That’s something lawmakers in Texas say they’ve considered.
Abbott followed up the signing by stating “We will also increase funding for public schools to ensure they can compete.”
The law includes rules to make sure funds are used fairly and that families across the board have access.
Supporters also point out that Texas still spends tens of billions of dollars on public education.
This law doesn’t take that away—it just adds new options for those who need them.
A Shift Toward Flexibility
The idea behind the law is pretty simple: not every child learns the same way.
Some thrive in a traditional classroom. Others might need something different.
This law puts those decisions back in the hands of parents, not government officials.
It also gives a boost to small private schools, tutors, and learning centers that have often been left out of the system.
It’s not just about school funding—it’s about trusting families to make the right call.
What’s Next?
Texas is now one of the leading states when it comes to school choice.
Other states are watching closely, and there’s a good chance similar bills could pop up elsewhere.
For many families in Texas, this opens up real opportunities—especially those who’ve felt stuck in a system that didn’t work for them.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
